5 Secrets to Aging Well in Maryland Active Adult Communities

How to be happier and healthier for the rest of your life

Caring.com recently posted their 5 Secrets to Aging Well... The two words  "aging" and "well" may go together like "hot" and "cold" to you but they don't have to.  People today are living longer more healthy lives than ever before.  So what are some of the secrets to aging well in Maryland Active Adult Communities?  The same as he 5 Secrets to Aging Well all over the world.

 

1.  Know what makes you truly happy.

• Why it matters:  Longevity is linked to optimism and positive attitudes.  Involving yourself with the people, activities, and experiences that bring you contentment will go a long way toward increasing longevity.

• What to try: Cultivate an "observing ego" by tracking your changes in mood for a few days.  Write down what makes you happy as well as what makes you stressed or anxious.

2.  Approach the "new" often.

• Why it matters:  Trying or learning new things builds new neural connections through life.  Keeping your brain fit will help your body follow suit.
• What to try:  Do "mental aerobics" brain workouts through your day.  Crosswords, sudoku, word search, and other puzzles will help keep your brain in top form. 

3.  Be your own best friend.

• Why it matters:  When you like yourself, everything you do is infused with a more positive outlook.  You will make better choices and stand taller.  When you perceive yourself in a positive light you build greater resiliency against adversity.
• What to try: Write down things that you like about yourself and your life four times a day for four weeks.  Try to come up with new things every day.  Celebrate what's likeable, worthy, and good about you to reprogram negative thoughts. 

4.  Be both a giver and a taker.

• Why it matters:  Connect with people that allow a true 'give and take' to exist.  Where you "offer some of yourself to others but also receive a sense of love and connectivity from others." 
• What to try:  Think about those you have the closest bond with.  Are these relationships nurturing and balanced or do you feel like your giving too much and receiving too little?  Work towards streamlining your relationships and remember: quality over quantity! 

5. Sweat at the Fountain of Youth.

• Why it matters: People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing damaging diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• What to try:  If you hate the idea of working out, rethink your idea of exercise as movement of all kinds.  Keep moving... whether it's vacuuming your home or taking a daily walk around the track.

These 5 Secrets to Aging Well can also be applied to Aging Well in Maryland active adult communities too...  After all, the simple act of moving to an active adult community is meant to simplify your life and help you age well, right?  SummersGate Active Lifestyle Community helps homeowners live better and age well by being a community built specifically for active adult living.  At SummersGate you live among your peers and enjoy the active adult lifestyle.  A 55+ community is the best place to retire if you're seeking to relax, unwind, and leave your worries behind.

For more information on how SummersGate can help you age well, contact us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find Maryland Active Adult Communities That Have Fun!

If you are looking to find Maryland Active Adult Communities that have fun, then you're in luck.  Because SummersGate Active Lifestyle Community offers just that... 

Sure you've probably heard that "laughter is the best medicine" and "he who laughs, lasts,"  but have you ever considered these funny phrases to be medically true?  They are.  According to a University of Arkansas study, "Humor, Laughter and Aging" there are physical, mental and social benefits to laughter.

• Physical benefits include improved health, reduced pain, enhanced immune system and muscle relaxation.
• Mental benefits include improved disposition, reduced tension and stress, increase in energy, enhanced creativity.
• Social benefits include positive changes in behavior, decreased loneliness, enhanced ability to communicate, and that it MAKES US FEEL GOOD!

But let's face it... Finding the bright side of life can be difficult when you're busy worrying about everything else: your health, the upkeep of your home, your next doctors appointment, your roof that needs to be fixed, your spouse's health, your financial situation, what type of food you have in your fridge, what you will make for dinner.  How do you juggle everything and keep a positive attitude?

What if I told you that SummersGate offers a retirement community for active adults that can help ease the daily stresses in your life?  At this 55+ community in Salisbury, Maryland, all exterior maintenance is done for you, there is a beautiful clubhouse to enjoy, you own 100% of your home, and there are no confusing payment structures.  SummersGate will take away most of the worries listed above so you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle.  For more information on how to achieve the lifestyle of your dreams, contact us.

 

I'm an active adult living in Salisbury, MD... What do I do?

Now that I'm retired, what do I do with all my free time?

If you've ever wondered this yourself, know that you are not alone.  As an active adult living in Salisbury who probably worked full-time for many years, you may be wondering what to do with all this new free time!  So many people share the same worry... But the answer is so simple:  ANYTHING YOU WANT!  You just need to discover what's out there. 

At SummersGate, an active lifestyle community in Salisbury, there are many home owners who are so happy to enjoy their free time!  They are away from their past maintenance concerns and living where all they have to do is plan their day.  And when it comes to planning, it's really pretty simple...  Head to the SummersGate clubhouse.  This 7,300 square foot clubhouse enables homeowners to:

• Meet with other 55+ friends at the pub
• Work out in the fitness center
• Read in the library
• Use the computers with internet access
• Play some pool, put together a puzzle or play games in the game room
• Relax by the pool or soothe tired muscles in the hot tub
• Attend regular social events in the great room

When was the last time you heard the phrase "The best things in life are free"?  At SummersGate you can start saying it over and over again, because they pretty much are!  Included in your monthly homeowner's fee are all of the amenities listed above as well as many other benefits to a 'low maintenance' lifestyle.

Remember that not all active senior living communities are created equal.  For more information on why a home at SummersGate, an active adult living community, may be the perfect fit for your active adult lifestyle contact us for more information... 

Is Winter the Best Time To Buy at a Maryland Active Adult Community?

The answer: At SummersGate, YES!

The tradional homebuying season historically mirrors school calendars.  Parents do not want to move to a new town during the school year and want to allow ample time for their children to acclimate with the area and meet new friends over the summer.  These trends are not just nationwide, but apply to Maryland real estate, too.

But what about those people whose children are out of the house?  Why must they follow the same rules just because Spring weather is "nicer" for home searching?  Here are some reasons from MSN.com Real Estate why buying a home in an active adult community, like SummersGate, is a perfect time!

• "While much is made of curb appeal, a winter tour may reveal a less orchestrated look at a property...  In the summer, you can't have that fireplace going."  So there are winter benefits you won't notice in the summer, and vice versa.
• "Cold weather lets buyers experience first hand how well the heating works and whether there are cold or damp areas of the house."

Plus... why wait?  There are so many benefits to living in a 55+ active adult community it doesn't make sense to hold out until the weather warms up.  The huge benefit of buying this time of year is the ability to wash your hands of shoveling snow for the rest of the season!  The other is the added convenience of brand new construction, meaning new appliances, fixtures and equipment in your new SummersGate home.  The heater will work the day you turn it on... No fuss... No guesswork.  Those warranties aren't too shabby either!

For more information on why now is the time to buy a new home at SummersGate Active Lifestyle Community, contact us for a personal consultation.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Maryland Active Adult Community Offers Wonderful Social Opportunities

As Sales Manager at SummersGate, I have the pleasure of speaking to many different people about the benefits of buying at a Maryland Active Adult Community.  To better understand what's uniquely important to each buyer, I always ask at the beginning of every conversation: "What's most important to YOU when narrowing down your list of top communities?"

The most commonly heard benefits of a 55+ community include:

1. First floor living
2. No more yard work
3. Downsizing
4. Close to family & friends
5. Convenient location

As our conversation moves forward, more times than not I learn that in addition to all of the selling points listed above (that SummersGate most definitely provides), the most common thread that weaves prospective buyers together is:  at the end of the day, when all is said and done, Maryland active adults want to feel a part of a community, become friends with their neighbors and get to do some really FUN things together!

Since our Clubhouse was unveiled in late summer it has been wonderful to see how much the homeowners enjoy using the space.  They do group exercise with a trainer, have pot lucks, arrange pool games, and have established regular home owner's meetings.  It has truly become the gathering spot of SummersGate.

This coming weekend is no exception to that trend...  The homeowners, who have also become my friends through the home buying process, are SO excited about Super Bowl Sunday this year.  In their old homes they watched the game with a small group of people, maybe even just their significant other, and could hardly make it through half time (why does it have to start SO late anyway?).

This year they are organizing a pot luck event, where they will watch the game together in the clubhouse on one of many big screen TVs.  They'll cheer, jeer and have a GREAT time in a party atmosphere.  Best of all, no one has to clean up all by themselves like a party hosted in a private home... at Summersgate, the clubhouse is for EVERYONE!

If you are considering moving to a 55+ active adult community inMarylandbut are unsure about being able to sell your home.  Click the link above for more information!

 

10 Steps to Choosing an Active Adult Living Community

Is the upswing in the real estate market giving you a good reason to finally sell your home? If you're a 55+ active adult you should be considering being proactive about your next move. Consider things like aging in place, first floor living, no outside maintenance, new appliances, energy efficiency and amenities that will help you stay healthy and socially connected for years to come. Consider choosing an active adult living community!

Here's a great article at www.advisor.com that would be of interest to anyone considering a move to an active adult living community.  Here's a brief overview of the 10 steps they recommend to choosing an active adult living community.

10 Steps to Choosing an Active Adult Retirement Community

1. Choose an area
2. Make a list of your wants and needs
3. Decide on your budget
4. Make appointments to visit
5. During your visit, be observant
6. Check out the transportation options
7. Know your shopping options
8. Check out the emergency services and hospitals
9. Research the security services
10. Now choose the communities you like best

Look at your decision to make a move as a positive step toward maintaining your independence as you age. You can reduce your expenses, reduce the amount of time you spend on cleaning and doing maintenance on your existing home, and spend more time doing the things you love!

When you begin your search for the perfect active adult community, consider SummersGate in Salisbury Maryland.  We're close to the beach and the bay, and located in the hub of the Delmarva peninsula. We're located in a small town, with big city conveniences! Call today – 410-543-8750 to schedule your visit.

How 55+ Active Adults Can Reduce Housing Costs

According to an online article in the series "12 Weeks to Plan Your Retirement" on CBS Money Watch at CBSnews.com, housing costs constitute one-third of the average American's household budget. In week nine of this series the author, Steve Vernon, lists 9 ways to reduce your housing costs. Not all of the suggestions will resonate with everyone, but it is worth considering what your options are. Here's a brief summary of the list:

Reduce Your Housing Costs:

1. Downsize to a smaller house.
2. Move to a less expensive location.
3. Move to a less expensive part of the country.
4. Move to a less expensive country.
5. Consider renting out a room or two for additional income.
6. Share housing with other retirees.
7. Consider a reverse mortgage to generate retirement income.
8. Move in with one of your children. (or not!)
9. Sell your home and rent something that better fits your needs. (There's even a buy vs. rent calculator to help you determine if this is feasible.)

If you're 55+ and considering living in an active adult community you may want to consider how you can reduce your housing costs and still maintain your quality of life. The author states that "many retired couples stay in their homes too long, and then get in a situation where they start to make decisions in a panic." There are a lot of emotional attachments to one's home but there is no reason to allow yourself to become a slave to a house that is too big, or that you can't physically manage any more.

Don't wait for a life changing event that may force you to make uncomfortable and inconvenient decisions during an already difficult time. Be proactive, know your options, think about what you can do to reduce your cost of living and ensure that you can maintain your independence for as long as possible. For information on purchasing a customized home in the only active adult community in Salisbury Maryland give us a call at 410-543-8750 or visit our website at www.summersgate.com.

 

Ready for a 55+ active adult community, but can’t sell your home?

We hear from people all the time that they would love to move to a 55+ active adult community, but they can’t sell their home for what they think it is worth.  Let's face it... homes just aren’t selling for what they were a few years ago.  But that's no reason you should waste valuable time waiting for the housing market to turn around. Instead ask yourself the following questions:

• Will I be able to age in place in my current home? 
• What did I pay for my current home vs. what I could sell it for? 
• As the real estate market improves, is the value of my home going to increase the same amount as a newer home?

You can still come out ahead by purchasing a home in today's market. 

• Interest rates have never been better.
• There are some great deals on new homes.
• The aging population is growing and the homes in demand in the future will be those that provide features that allow them to age in place. See the benefits of living in an active adult community.
•  Talk to an established realtor to get an appraisal on your home and advice on what will help it sell.  Order our FREE guide "450 Ideas that will Help Sell Your Home Faster."
• Visit active lifestyle communities in the area where you would like to spend your retirement years. See what features they have that will allow you to enjoy life to the fullest now!

If you feel like you're losing on the house you're selling, you ARE winning in the long run! 

• You are securing your ability to age in place for years to come.
• You get to enjoy the benefits of your new home NOW.
• How much will it cost you to continue to maintain your current home?
• No one can predict the future, there is no better time than NOW.

When you think about it, it's easy to make a decision that benefits you the MOST.  Be proactive about your future TODAY. Visit us at www.summersgate.com

Is a 55+ Active Adult Community Right for You?

There are many great articles about living in an active adult community, but few discuss how to approach the decision making process. So when I came across this great article in the Chicago Tribune yesterday written by Jill Schlesinger I thought it was timely, relevant, and worth sharing.

The article is titled  "The Phases of Retirement" and the author points out that the choice of where to retire is more than just a financial decision. There are many considerations that  should be taken into account. However, this article has a unique viewpoint about the decision making process for those considering retirement living. She states that "what seems attractive at 65 might not make sense at 80, which is why retirement isn't one event, it's more like three phases." You can read the original published article here.

The three phases of retirement living are defined as:

1. Retirement Phase 1 from ages 65-72: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is family, friends and familiarity. Most people are content to stay in their current homes or downsize within their current communities. (Or move to an active adult community).
   
   
2. Retirement Phase 2 from ages 72-85: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is engagement, activity and accessibility. This is the stage where most people consider moving to a retirement community.
   
   
3. Retirement Phase 3 after age 85: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is companionship, care and convenience. (My experience is that this is the average age that most people consider assisted living.)

The author is certainly not suggesting that we move three times to accomodate our needs in each of the phases. She does suggest that "while there's no doubt that your financial circumstances will influence where to live the later part of your life, the three phases of retirement might help you think about how you want to live it."

When making your retirement living plans consider these three phases of retirement and how you can accomodate your needs in each one. Perhaps moving to an active adult community could alleviate those dreaded home maintenance chores and give you more opportunities to travel. You could still be close to your friends and family, but free to explore many places you've always wanted to see without having to worry about your home. You could take extended vacations rather than making a big move across the country. Many active adult communities like SummersGate in Salisbury Maryland are designed to help people age in place with amenities like first floor master bedrooms, comfort height vanities and commodes, and wheelchair accessibility. Start thinking about how you can meet your needs through each phase of retirement now.

Important GOP Viewpoints to Maryland Active Adults

The 2012 Presidential Campaign has officially begun with the Iowa Caucuses.  As a Maryland active adult, regardless if you are a registered Republican, Democrat, or Independent, chances are you’ve seen the coverage of the GOP race on a daily basis.  You’ve seen the candidates bicker during debates about opposing opinions, previous voting histories, who is more conservative than who… but what about the IMPORTANT topics?  What about the issues that we face today and in the not so distant future?  The issues that directly affect the aging population of the US:  Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  AARP.com recently released profiles on all six GOP Presidential Candidates.  If you haven’t taken the time to learn where each candidate stands on the important issues facing the aging population of  Maryland this website is a great source of information.

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid:  Where the Six Stand

Newt Gingrich :  “In his updated “Contract With America,'' Gingrich proposes allowing private-sector alternatives for both Social Security and Medicare recipients. For the retirement program, Gingrich would allow younger Americans to put a portion of their Social Security payments into a personal account. Medicare recipients would have the option of using the government subsidy for a private insurance plan”

John Huntsman:  “On retirement issues, he has been walking a careful line, refusing to criticize his GOP colleagues for their more drastic proposals for Medicare while still suggesting that he might favor some tweaks.”

Ron Paul:  “Paul frequently targets the nation's entitlement programs. He calls Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid unconstitutional, although he acknowledges that ending them would be politically implausible. In a 2008 debate, Paul said he would like to abolish Social Security, "but not overnight." Instead, he would take care of those who already depend on the system but "allow the young people to just flat out get out of the system."

Rick Perry:  “In his book Fed Up! Perry calls Social Security a "failure" that "we have been forced to accept for more than 70 years now." On both Medicare and Medicaid, Perry has also called for more flexibility. In January, he signed an open letter to President Obama from governors calling for an end to the "one size fits all" approach to Medicaid. He does not favor getting rid of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.”

Mitt Romney:  On the campaign trail, Romney has advocated smaller benefits hikes for wealthier Social Security recipients. On Medicare, Romney wants to offer patients a "generous defined contribution" to buy either Medicare or private insurance. "Lower-income future retirees should receive the most assistance," Romney said in an op-ed laying out the plan, and those now at or near retirement would not be affected. Like many in his party, Romney wants to cap spending for Medicaid, turn it into a block-grant program and give control of it to the states.”

Rick Santorum: “Santorum also has been a longtime voice on the reform of Social Security.  While exploring a presidential run, Santorum called for the repeal of the health care overhaul law and backed the plan by Rep. Paul Ryan to replace the current Medicare program with a voucher system, whereby citizens now 50 or younger would buy their own insurance. Medicaid, too, needs to be cut and converted into block grants to the states, he says. It should be reformed as welfare was in the mid-1990s.”

If you are a Maryland active adult and are interested in learning more about active adult communities in Maryland, click on the link below to request more information.  Summersgate Active Adult Community s full of people that enjoy discussing topics like this! We invite you for lunch and a tour to see how enriching life at Mallard Landing can be.